O c t o b e r 2 017, Vo l .1 9, N o .1 Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Girdwood, Homer, Juneau, Kenai, Mat-Su, Salcha, Seward, Soldotna, Talkeetna and Valdez

PHOTO BY MAX GERMAIN

Anchorage...... 2 ANCHORAGE: KACHEMAK: FAIRBANKS: Eagle River...... 11 Ready for a season of fun Year-round adventures Junior Nordics: Fairbanks...... 13 events, programs and more? abound on Homer trails Tips for parent survival Girdwood...... 12 Kachemak ...... 8 Mat-Su ...... 10 3 9 16 Statewide ...... 15 2 October 2017

203 W. 15th Ave., #204 Anchorage, , 99501 Phone — 276-7609 Fax — 258-7609 Anchorage Nordic Skier Hotline — 248-6667 [email protected] Newsletter Of The Nordic Association Of Anchorage, Inc.

BOARD MEMBERS Setting the tone for an amazing ski season PRESIDENT Joey Caterinichio VICE PRESIDENT Sara Miller Message from NSAA staff and Board of Directors SECRETARY Josh Niva October is here! As schedules are let. It’s also that time of year to check anchoragenordicski.com/nationals18/ TREASURER mapped out and summer gear is out the condition of your Nordic equip- volunteer/ for more information. Karl Garber MEMBERS put away, most are thinking about ment – especially for those young If you can’t make the U.S. Nation- Molly Brown personal goals, mapping out ways growing skiers, so keep our annual als, NSAA’s calendar is full with vol- Alex Grumman Elizabeth Arnold to stay healthy and how important it Ski Swap on your radar: October 29 unteer opportunities: high school and Mike Miller is to stay active all winter long. This at Kincaid. The NSAA calendar lists middles school races, AMH Anchor- Dustin Shannon is your winter! Anchorage trails are all these upcoming opportunities at age Cup races, The Tour of Anchor- OFFICE STAFF your trails! Consider being a part of anchoragenordicski.com/calendar/. age, SKAN, so many to list … Erin Beam, Business Manager Tamra Kornfield, Program Manager the AMH Anchorage Cup race series, As we look ahead to a new sea- The heart of NSAA is the people, Amber Adams, Office Manager it really is for all levels and ages! Plug son, it is especially exciting for our and most recently our hearts hurt OPERATIONS STAFF Junior Nordic into that family calen- community to host the from saying goodbye to one of NSAA’s Craig Norman dar and keep the kiddos active and U.S. Nationals Championship Janu- leaders and an amazing person. Jeff Bill Brion Peter Zug outside experiencing Alaska outdoor ary 3-9, 2018. While all the pieces of Scott, you will forever inspire us to Annette Brion fun! this Olympic qualifying puzzle are work hard for the greater good, to Matthew Pauli Save the date to help us celebrate fitting into place, there are plenty of reach out into our community and to TRAILS winter! NSAA’s season kickoff event is volunteer opportunities to be a part find the fun in all things! Mike Miller

Sunday, November 5, at Kincaid Cha- of this memorable event. Visit www. Here’s to a great season ahead. COMMITTEE CHAIRS

ALASKA SKI FOR WOMEN Jenny Di Grappa

Meet NSAA’s 2017-18 Season program and event directors AMH ANCHORAGE CUP Branden Fontana Part of what makes NSAA great is Murray the variety of programs and events it Ski Train — Travis Taylor BACKCOUNTRY TOURS Patti Phillips, Mary Vavrik, Karlene Leeper fuels and offers. Another part of what and Ken DePalma makes NSAA great is the community of skiers, volunteers and supporters Marti Pausback and Catherine Kilby who make the programs and events HIGH SCHOOL RACING successful! John Christopherson There are new and familiar faces holding director positions for this up- HOPE CABIN anchoragenordicski.com/cabin-rental coming season. See the photos in this Middle School Racing — Diane Moxness article to put names to those faces. JUNIOR NORDIC Shannon Donley When you see them on the trails, Solstice Tree Tour — Sara Miller please thank them for all that they do! MIDDLE SCHOOL RACING (Sorry, not all directors sent in photos Diane Moxness …) RACE CHAIRMAN NSAA thanks each and every one Tim Stone for being a part of the team – Anchor- SCHOLARSHIPS age would not be the same without Dan Rosenberg your energy and enthusiasm. SKAN 24 This year’s program and event Cassandra and Grant Stevenson directors include: NSAA Biathlon — Marti Pausback and SKI 4 KIDS Catherine Kilby Special Events and Racing — Lauri Bassett Vacant

SKI JUMPING Karen Compton and Vivienne Murray

SKI TRAIN Travis Taylor

SOLSTICE TREE TOUR Sara Miller

SPECIAL EVENTS AND RACING Lauri Bassett Alaska Ski for Women — Jenny Di Grappa AMH Anchorage Cup — Branden Fontana Scholarships — Dan Rosenberg TOUR OF ANCHORAGE Tour of Anchorage — Matias Saari Matias Saari Backcountry Tours — Patti Phillips, Mary Vavrik, SKAN 24 — Cassandra and Grant Stevenson Karlene Leeper and Ken DePalma NSAA OFFICE HOURS High School Racing — John Christopherson 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday

BOARD MEETINGS Fourth Thursday of the month, 6:15 P.M. at BP Energy Center or NSAA office. Open to all.

Learn more about NSAA’s programs, events and volunteer opportunities at anchoragenordicski. Ski 4 Kids — Vacant com. — Karen Compton and Vivienne Junior Nordic — Shannon Donley

the Alaska nordic skier october 2017 ANCHORAGE 3 A tribute, and thank you, to Jeff Scott nordicthe ALASKA skier According to Jeff Scott, “The key to smooth skiing is to look where you EDITOR want to go and not where you don’t want to go and your skis will follow.” Josh Niva This was shared recently at an event celebrating the life of this incredible [email protected] man who recently passed. This advice came from a man who was fiercely dedicated to our community, uniting groups for the good of the whole and LAYOUT having fun doing it. Jeff selflessly committed 10 years on the NSAA Board of Kevin Powell Directors, most of which he served as Board President. He always kept his [email protected] eyes on the big picture, focusing on where we needed to go as an organiza- tion, as a community. And he never lost sight of that mission and motivated AD REPRESENTATIVE those around him to do the same. NSAA and Anchorage are better for it. Andre Lovett Jeff’s zest for life and positivity radiated to those around him. He made [email protected] connections with every single person he encountered, big and small. We lost [email protected] Jeff too soon but remembering him inspires us to keep looking ahead, focus- ing on how NSAA can do a better job for our community – for our members, LOCAL EDITORS for Nordic skiing. ANCHORAGE Josh Niva Event volunteers get a 30-minute This year’s event celebrates [email protected] AROUND preview of all gear! Alaska’s Olympic and World Cup EAGLE RIVER athletes! Visit with Kikkan Randall, Ros Singleton THE BOWL Kick off the season with Sadie Bjornsen, Erik Bjornsen, Rosie friends, fun and NSAA [email protected] Support healthy lifestyles, Brennan and more, then grab an information on November 5 adult beverage as you check out local FAIRBANKS Anchorage’s trails and Join NSAA staff and volunteers, Kate Carey NSAA by becoming a businesses and ski programs at the along with fellow skiers and com- expo, peruse items at the silent [email protected] member! munity members, for the annual auction, and enjoy the always deli- KACHEMAK The Nordic Skiing Association of party to ring in the new season! The cious smorgasbord potluck. Jeannie Woodring Anchorage membership season runs NSAA Season Kickoff arrives Sun- [email protected] from October 1- September 30, which Learn more about the event and volunteer day, November 5, at the Kincaid Park opportunities at anchoragenordicski.com/events/ means right now is the time to reg- Chalet. An expo runs from 2:30-4 p.m., annual-celebration. JUNEAU ister for the new season! If you run, followed by the potluck and 4 p.m. and Mark Scholten [email protected] bike, walk, dog walk or ski on Anchor- the kickoff at 5. See BOWL, Page 6 age trails, please contribute today and MAT-SU join NSAA’s family of trail supporters. Ed Strabel NSAA is not supported by tax dollars; [email protected] we rely on generous support from trail users like you for year-round SALCHA Jim Ostlind trail maintenance! [email protected] Benefits of NSAA membership include: SEWARD 1. Your donation ensures that Julie Robinson NSAA can continue maintaining [email protected] and grooming over 150 kilometers SOLDOTNA of trails, as well as make snow at Penny McClain Kincaid Park. 2. Your donation is 262-6257 100 percent tax-deductible! 3. You’ll stay connected to the Nordic skiing TALKEETNA community. 4. You’ll receive a decal to Chris Mannix 733-2427 proudly display on your car, as well as additional small gifts to thank you for The Alaska Nordic Skier is a your support of NSAA! publication representing the nordic Trail memberships start at just $35. ski clubs of Anchorage, Eagle Register today at anchoragenordicski. River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau, com/membership. New to community races? Come to the Mat-Su, Salcha, Seward, Soldotna, Kenai, Talkeetna and Valdez. The introduction before the first event at 10am Dec. 10 For information about gifts by bequest, planned Alaska Nordic Skier is published gift, retirement assets, appreciated securities or other legacy giving, please contact the NSAA October through April by the office at 276-7609. Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage, Inc. Swap, sell, save at the NSAA Ski Swap All rights reserved. © 2017 Articles, letters and advertisements on October 29  Stay active this winter Register online are welcome. Please ensure all Save the date for the NSAA Ski Dec. 10  Kid’s race first race free! Register there 10-11:30a names are correct and information is Swap, which arrives on Sunday, Oc- Jan. 14 accurate. Submissions may be edited tober 29, at the Kincaid Park Bunker.  Fun warmups for kids Start at noon for clarity, content and space Jan. 28 The always popular event takes place limitations. Deadline is the 15th day  Distances for all skills from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, with gear drops Feb. 11 of the prior month. E-mail [email protected]. happening from 6-8 p.m. Friday and  After parties Make this your winter Feb. 18 family tradition 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday. All unsold  Door prizes On the cover – Hugo Compton soars gear must be picked up from 5-7 p.m. off the 65-meter jump the Karl Eid Ski Sunday. Jumping Complex on Anchorage’s Hillside. www.anchoragenordicski.com Register all gear in advance online PHOTO BY MAX GERMAIN at flashconsign.com. Learn more and Brought to you by NSAA, sponsored by AMH Support your trails! These trails are maintained by sign up to volunteer at anchoragenor- NSAA thanks to trail users like you. dicski.com/events/nsaa-ski-swap/.

the AlAskA nordic skier 4 ANCHORAGE October 2017 NSAA Members of the Month: Heather Ireland, Gary Snyder and family The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage is NSAA to plan for the revenue throughout the always thrilled to celebrate and thank its special year, not just when the snow is falling. members. This season, NSAA is spotlighting a What does NSAA’s mission mean to you? handful of those supporters with short stories in Quality trails are one of the reasons we live The Alaska Nordic Skier. October’s NSAA Mem- in Anchorage. Although Gary is the only avid bers of the Month are Heather Ireland and Gary racer, skiing is a life skill that allows us to get Snyder (and their family!), who have been Nordic outdoors and enjoy the Alaskan winter. skiers for 25 and 42 years, respectively, and have Can you share a standout moment from been involved with NSAA for around 40 years, connecting with NSAA and its programs and including more than 20 as donors. events? NSAA: What do you love about Nordic The Ski Train is a highlight of our Alaskan skiing? winter. The consensus in our family is that we IRELAND/SNYDER FAMILY: Quietly enjoying would rather prioritize the cost of those tickets the outdoors while gliding over great snow, than to go to somewhere like Disneyland. either fast or slow. Anything else about skiing, NSAA or other? We appreciate your generous support of When we are out and about in the commu- NSAA! Why do you choose to donate to NSAA? nity and run into people, our kids default to NSAA supports the Anchorage community thinking that we know people through skiing. in many ways including races, Junior Nordic, ‘Did you know your dad was my coach?’ ‘Not trail maintenance, and the Ski Train (our fam- really, but I assumed it.’ ily favorite). We choose to give monthly to allow NSAA Volunteer of the Month: Doug Cobb NSAA’s Volunteer of the Month is We appreciate your time, energy Doug Cobb, who has been involved and unique skills that you volunteer with our organization for all 22 years to NSAA . Why do you choose to of his Nordic skiing experience. He’s volunteer with us? volunteered with NSAA Biathlon for I live nearby and like to fix and four years. tinker with things. Plus someone has NSAA: Please describe your to step up and do the work! volunteer position and work: What does NSAA’s mission mean to DOUG COBB: I’m on the NSAA you? Biathlon committee as head of Trails are accessible to skiers, maintenance for the biathlon range. mountain bikers, dog walkers, and I’m responsible for lead cleanup and so many different groups. ongoing repairs and improvements. Do you have some standout I also volunteer as a Green Grunt to moments from skiing, connecting with Doug Cobb and family help time at high school races. NSAA and/or volunteering that you What do you love about Nordic would like to share? that NSAA and its volunteers play in on your kids at a race and help with skiing and biathlon? My best memories are trips on the our community and state? set-up or become more involved on I love Nordic skiing because it Ski Train! I really enjoyed the old Every event takes so many a committee, everyone is necessary supports the community and schools, school destination of Grand View volunteers, it’s important to realize to continue putting on events. And if and I enjoy biathlon because it’s a and getting to ski up to a glacier. that every person can contribute. you volunteer enough you get to ride shooting that involves fitness. Can you please talk about the role Whether you’re a parent cheering the trails on a snowmachine! NSAA Partner Spotlight: Anchorage Women’s Clinic Since the first day Anchorage school races. She says “lowly” Women’s Clinic (AWC) opened for because she is a novice compared business in 1995, AWC has been to the many volunteers that bring dedicated to providing Nordic ski- decades of experience and skills ing opportunities for our commu- to officiating. nity. Aligned with NSAA’s commit- According to Tina, all the own- ment to support women and active ers at AWC, past and present, fully living, AWC has strengthened the appreciate the benefits of fitness Alaska Ski for Women for many activities that the Nordic skiing years. Dr. Tina Tomsen at the provides, even if they’re not par- 2011 Alaska Ski for For AWC co-owner and physi- Women. ticularly skilled! cian Dr. Tina Tomsen, this con- “Sponsoring a keystone com- nection is very personal. Nordic munity nonprofit like NSAA has skiing brought Tina back to An- always fit with our core values,” chorage after college and medical Tina said. “We appreciate that school. Her Dimond High School NSAA is providing a way for coach, John Morton, connected her to Dr. Hed- Anchorage residents to participate in fun and ric Hanson back in 1986 to begin Tina’s career healthy activities in a uniquely Alaskan way.” in practicing medicine and the rest is history. Thank you, Tina and Anchorage Women’s Today, Tina is a self-proclaimed “lowly” Clinic staff, for supporting the Nordic skiing Green Grunt who volunteers regularly at high community for over 25 years!

the Alaska nordic skier october 2017 ANCHORAGE 5 What Alaska’s biathletes did this summer … Alaska is quickly developing a reputation for fast skiers and straight shooters. In August, eight Alaskans attended U.S. Biathlon’s training camps in Vermont and New York. Representing Anchorage, Fairbanks, Nome, Kenai and Eagle River, Team Alaska improved their shooting skills and ski technique with the National Biathlon team and coaches. Some of the Alaska athletes also attended the U.S. Biathlon Rollerski Championships at Camp Ethan Allen in Jericho, Vermont. Five Alaskan’s had top five finishes. Travis Cooper, 21, of Kenai placed fourth in the sprint PHOTOS BY GENE SWEENEY JR. Alaska biathletes joined some of America’s best this summer at Soldier Hollow race, hitting eight of ten targets. Ev- Nordic Center. erett Darrow, 18, of Fairbanks, placed second in the youth sprint and was placed an admirable fifth in the pur- Hollow, Utah,” said Dusser. “All these awarded a pair of Fischer Skimax suit race. Cooper and Darrow both races will have pre-qualification trials for overall best male youth shooter. race for National Guard Biathlon and and I am prepared to see these Alas- Helen Wilson, 16, and Grace Gillil- are members of the Alaska National kan athletes achieve their goals.” and, 17, both of Eagle River and on Guard. Notable winter 2017-18 biathlon the Anchorage Biathlon Club team, “Competing in the heat and humid- races: placed fourth and fifth respectively in ity was a challenge, but watching the Team Alaska Winter Game trials: the sprint race and then reversed the Olympians race was an eye-opening Races 1 & 2, November 18-19, Birch Hill Recreation Area, Fairbanks order in the next day’s pursuit race. experience that has inspired me to Race 3, January 13, Kincaid Park, Anchorage Torsten Renner, 16, of Eagle River train harder,” Darrow said after the Race 4, January 15, Kincaid Park, Anchorage sprint race. Youth-Jr World Championship Trials — January Alaska’s overall performance was 28-31, Mt. Itasca, Minnesota greatly influenced by Anchorage’s Biathlon IBU Youth-Jr World Championships — February 26-March 6, Otepää, Estonia new biathlon coach, Marine Dusser, For more information about biathlon in Alaska formerly of the French National 2018 — March 18-24, and NSAA’s Biathlon program, visit www. Fort Hays, Biathlon Team. This summer she anchoragenordicski.com/biathlon/. conducted biathlon clinics in Nome, Fairbanks and Anchorage. She is soon to be the UAA Seawolves as- sistant Nordic coach and brings much experience to integrating the disci- plines of shooting and skiing. “This winter is a big race season for biathlon youth with Arctic Winter Games in Canada, Youth/Jr Biathlon World Championships in Estonia, and Nordic Junior Nationals in Soldier

Season Kickoff NSAA Annual Celebration Sunday, November 5, 2017 —Kincaid Chalet—

Silent Auction | 2:30 PM Expo | 2:30 — 4 PM Potluck | 4 PM (bring a dish to share) Kickoff | 5 PM

adult beverages silent auction

raffle door prizes awards party

the AlAskA nordic skier ANCHORAGE 6 October 2017 No offseason: A dozer, cars and tons of trail work for NSAA Operations team It was a productive summer of trail work the Bandy, Porter, Cruz, Norton, Eastham, for Bill and Craig. Hancock, Volz, Gellert, Tham, Lapkass and In early June, they started on the trails at French families. As always, the NSAA office Beach Lake in Chugiak and removed about staff did a great job soliciting donations and 16 vintage junk cars that had been partially organizing the Dozer Days event. They even buried throughout the system. Most of the had a “name the dozer” contest. And the win- license plates dated back to the early ‘60s and ner is … Bullwinkle! Next year, we’ll be look- the dilapidated junkers have been an eyesore ing for his companion Rocky … How about an for all these years – however, they’re sure excavator? to be missed by some. A trail aptly named With the wet weather upon us, Craig and “Junkyard” just won’t be the same. Bill have turned their attention to routine In addition, several thousand pounds of equipment maintenance and the Pisten Bully equally mature garbage was unearthed from 600, which will need its tracks rebuilt with two different pits and hauled away. The guys new rubber belting. In environments where used a wheel-loader to drag the cars out, these machines operate in deep snow, the loaded them on two trailers, one at a time, belts last much longer. But since we spend and made several trips to the recycling cen- most of our time operating on low base and ter on Whitney Rd. in Anchorage for disposal. They lized the out slopes, and redefined drainage and hard conditions, the belts wear out twice as fast. rented a small excavator for the garbage removal, ditch lines. Again, we would like to thank all those who loaded up a dump trailer and made a few contribu- The highlight of the summer arrived when NSAA contributed time, money and muscle this summer tions to the Anchorage landfill. became the proud owners of a 2006 John Deere to better the trails we all love. Your contributions At Kincaid Park, Craig and Bill spent the rest of 450 bulldozer. Generous NSAA supporters donated make a difference and NSAA depends on the gen- the summer rehabilitating some of the dark trails: more than $21,000 toward the purchase. We would erosity of individuals. If you know people who enjoy Mize’s Folly, the Wall, Ice Box, Old Six and Hairpin. like to thank all who donated and recognize the the trails, please encourage them to show their They restored the width to an 18-foot Type II level following families who were top donors contribut- appreciation and donate. We look forward to a great ski trail, improved visibility on the corners, stabi- ing from $500-$5,000. Heartfelt thanks go out to winter ski season and to seeing you on the trails!

BOWL fundraiser could not take place. We have volunteer Sunday, January 14 — Hickok Duathlon, Hillside Park Continued from Page 3 opportunities for everyone – whether you have two Sunday, January 28 — Pia’s Classic, Kincaid Park hours of time or 20, we are looking for individuals Sunday, February 11 — Sprint Relay, Kincaid Park with many different talents who want to help us Sunday, February 18 — Sven Johansson (Tour of Kincaid), NSAA Junior Nordic returns with Kincaid Park added practice times to put fun in make the 2018 event fun and memorable. skiing fundamentals Please reach out to the event director Jenny Di NSAA calendar of events Grappa at [email protected]. For NSAA’s Junior Nordic registration begins Oc- OCTOBER tober 1 with the season’s first session beginning more information, visit anchoragenordicski.com/ Sunday, October 1 — NSAA membership season begins; event November 14. Anchorage Junior Nordic is Alaska’s events/alaska-ski-for-women/. registration begins largest and longest-running cross- program Save the date, participate and Sunday, October 1 — NSAA Biathlon programs online sign-up for kids. This season’s registration opened on Octo- volunteer for popular NSAA events! Sunday, October 1 — NSAA Junior Nordic online sign-up ber 1. Remember, some locations fill up fast so sign- Ski for Women: February 4, 2018 Sunday, October 1 — NSAA Ski Jumping online sign-up up today at anchoragenordicski.com/junior-nordic/. The wildly popular and powerful Alaska Ski for Women will be Sunday, October 1 — NSAA Ski Train tickets go on sale The season’s first session runs from November held Sunday, February 4, 2018.Volunteers are needed! Register, Wednesday, October 25 — First Anchorage School District high 13, 2017, to January 4, 2018; the second session runs volunteer and learn more at anchoragenordicski.com/events/ school practice from January 16-March 10, 2018. alaska-ski-for-women/. Sunday, October 29 — NSAA Ski Swap, Kincaid Park New this season: After-school practice time at Ski 4 Kids: February 24, 2018 NOVEMBER It’s never too early to get local kids excited for Ski 4 Kids, which Kincaid and Hillside from 4:30-5:30 p.m. for beginner Sunday, November 5 — NSAA Season Kickoff, Kincaid Park arrives on Saturday, February 24, 2018. This is a fun-filled day skiers, meeting at the regular time on Saturdays. Thursday, November 9 — NSAA Junior Nordic equipment pick-up with indoor and outdoor activities for kids and families. Register Jr. Nordic is always looking for coaches. This today at anchoragenordicski.com/events/ski-4-kids. Sunday, November 12 — NSAA Junior Nordic equipment pick-up year’s coaches’ introduction is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Monday, November 13 — NSAA Junior Nordic Session 1 starts October 28, at the Kincaid Chalet. Find out more at Ski Train: March 24, 2018 Monday, November 13 — NSAA Ski Jumping begins Ski Train leaves the station on Saturday, March 24, but it will sell anchoragenordicski.com/junior-nordic-coaching. out well before. Tickets go on sale October 1; join NSAA and buy For more events and details, visit the NSAA calendar at anchoragenordicski.com/calendar. NSAA welcomes Bullwinkle your Ski Train tickets at anchoragenordicski.com/events/ski-train. New at the upcoming Ski Train – all booth seating and themed cars the Dozer to the fleet and a handful of new partners providing exciting perks. Anchorage’s trail users enjoy the year-round Tour of Anchorage: March 4, 2018 maintenance and early skiing by NSAA’s Operation Same great race. Same great after-party! Get the details at team, which is made possible by having the right anchoragenordicski.com/races/tour-of-anchorage. equipment. This summer, NSAA raised funds to purchase a bulldozer and thanks to the generosity AMH Anchorage Cup of 67 donors, the campaign raised over $21,000! runneth over with racing! A community wide contest was held to name the The AMH Anchorage Cup community ski race dozer. Donors suggested names and voters decided series is fun for the whole family. Each event is on Bullwinkle (though a few tried for Dozey McDoz- designed for skiers of all ages and skill levels and erface). Read more about the dozer in this month’s includes a loop for youth skiers. This season’s se- NSAA Operations article. ries features five events; races begin at noon, sign Volunteer to make the up online (anchoragenordicski.com/races/amh- Alaska Ski for Women wonderful! anchorage-cup-series) for a discount or register the The 2018 Alaska Ski for Women event is less morning of the event. New this season: Kids race than five months away and planning has begun to their first race for free! There will also be a commu- make this year’s event the best one yet. For over 20 nity ski/touring wave at each event and a ski racing years, ASFW has been orchestrated by hundreds introduction at the first event on December 10. of generous community members, whom without This year’s series consists of: their support this wonderful community event and Sunday, December 10 — AMH Freestyle, Kincaid Park

the Alaska nordic skier october 2017 ANCHORAGE 7 NSAA Ski Jumping program continues soaring in any weather and all seasons BY KAREN COMPTON A rainy summer ain’t no big thing for the NSAA Ski Jumping program. We had 15 solid weeks of training on our four hills at the Karl Eid Ski Jump- ing Complex on Anchorage’s Hillside. Fifteen weeks of training translates into more than 250 jumps for per ski jumper – more than they’re likely to get all winter long. All of this summer jumping allows athletes to learn muscle memory and improve technique. The hours spent PHOTO BY MAX GERMAIN jumping together builds the community and is pay- Hugo Compton soars off the 65-meter jump the Karl ing off for the program, both on the hills and on the Eid Ski Jumping Complex on Anchorage’s Hillside. podium. Thirteen new kids took up the sport this sum- brush-cutting and securing nets to the hills to mer/fall season, bringing the total number of kids keep snow from sliding off. The water system will registered for a ski jumping program during the also be drained and shut down for winter and the 2016-17 season to more than 100. snowmaking will be fired up and ready to go when The extra training also made a difference at temperatures allow. Springer Tournee, ski jumping’s summer national Our 2017-18 winter session begins November 13 competition held in Park City, Utah. Team AK had and runs four days a week through March 8. Online eight podium finishes in jumping and Nordic com- registration opens October 1 on NSAA’s website, bined — a new club record! www.anchoragenordicski.com/ski-jumping. If

The summer/fall season concluded at the end you’re interested in ski jumping, or have questions, PHOTO BY KAREN COMPTON of September, then we spent October preparing contact Karen Compton, the ski jumping’s program Jumpers waiting their turn to go at the Karl Eid Ski Jumping Complex on Anchorage’s Hillside. the hills for winter jumping on snow. This involves director, whose information is on the site. Take a tour, savor the season with NSAA Tours’ 2017-18 schedule Attention all you hungry-for-adven- November 24, 2017 — 20th Annual Turkey Tour leader — Ken DePalma. Alps; Tour leader — Ken DePalma. Day Shakeoff – Archangel Road, Hatcher Pass, ture skiers! Check out NSAA’s deli- January 27, 2018 — Williwaw Lake and Middle March 2-4, 2018 — Denali View Chalet, two Talkeetna Mountains; Tour leader Ken DePalma. Fork; Tour leader — Patti Phillips. overnights, Peters Hills; Tour leader — Karlene cious menu of backcountry ski tours December 9, 2017 — Iditarod Trail INHT from January 30-February 1, 2018 — Catch the Leeper. for the 2017-18 ski season. Eddie’s to Turnagain Pass; Tour leader Mary Lunar Eclipse on January 31! Two overnights March 10-18, 2018 — Denali National Park, For appetizers, we are offering up Vavrik. (midweek) at private cabin on Red Shirt Lake; fly-in and out of Kantishna, ski to mountain more Friday Night Fun Skis followed December 15, 2017 — Friday Night Fun Ski. Tour leader — Patti Phillips. passes; Tour leader — Bob Sutherland. North Bivouac Trailhead; Tour leader — Ken by grub and grog at local watering February 9, 2018 — Friday Night Fun Ski. March 18, 2018 — Skookum Glacier, Turnagain DePalma. Upper O’Malley Trailhead; Tour leader — Ken Arm, Kenai Peninsula; Tour leader — Patti holes. Entrees feature weekend over- January 13-15, 2018 — Two overnights at DePalma. Phillips. night stays with a progressive dinner Sheep Mountain Lodge, includes Matanuska February 11, 2018 — Portage Lake and Pass; March 30, 2018 — Friday Night Fun Ski. at Sheep Mountain Lodge, up-country Glacier tour (below).Tour leader — Mary Vavrik. Tour leader — Patti Phillips. Prospect Heights Trailhead; Tour leader — Ken cooking at Denali View Chalet, and January 15, 2018 — Tour out to Matanuska February 17-19, 2018 — Two overnights at DePalma. Glacier along Caribou Creek; Tour leader — Ken a potluck at Manitoba Huts. We also Manitoba Huts – Tele/AT and touring options; April 7, 2018 — Turnagain or Hatcher Pass – DePalma. Tour leaders — Michael Henrich, Karlene Leeper TBD; Tour leader — Mary Vavrik. have ala-carte choices of Turnagain January 19, 2018 — Friday Night Fun Ski. Mile and Mary Vavrik. Pass, Hatcher Pass and Williwaw 1.2 Campbell Airstrip Road, Basher Trailhead; March 2, 2018 — Friday Night Fun Ski. Glen Lakes, among others. And for dessert we will feature tasty tailgate treats on select tours. So come out and get your fill of snow, skiing, fun and fodder on this year’s backcountry tours! Find more information about NSAA tours at anchoragenordicski.com/ tours.htm. All tours are accompanied NSAA SKI SWAP by members of the Anchorage Nordic Sunday, October 29 Ski Patrol, who provide safety, trail Gear MUST be registered online at www.flashconsign.com sweep, and assist skiers with broken FRIDAY BEFORE GEAR DROP | FRI 10/27 6-8 PM equipment or any other issues. Many thanks for their assistance! We look DAY OF GEAR DROP | 11 AM - 1 PM forward to skiing with you out on the SKI SWAP SALES | 2 - 4 PM trails. How do you store your skis… If you have questions about tours or PICKUP UNSOLD GEAR | 5 - 7 PM program or, contact one of the NSAA Vertical? —Kincaid Bunker— Touring leaders: Patti Phillips, Co- chair: NSAA contact, (907) 240-3742, Horizontal? [email protected]; Mary Vavrik, Co-chair: Nordic Ski Patrol contact, (907) 306-7686, [email protected]; Kar- In a pile on the floor? lene Leeper, Co-chair: Denali View Chalet, (907) 440-0049, kbleeper@ alaska.net; and Ken DePalma, Co- chair: AT and Tele-ski tours, 907-440- 1562, [email protected]. NSAA Backcountry Ski Tours 2017-2018 Get organized this year! Buy and sell—NSAA Ski Swap

the AlAskA nordic skier 8 October 2017

P.O. Box 44, Homer, Alaska 99603 Kachemak Nordic Ski Club kachemaknordicskiclub.org [email protected] Homer, Alaska

KNSC is one of the first organizations snowboards, boots and clothing. Do- BOARD OF DIRECTORS AROUND Mike Gracz | President to kick off winter this way. On Satur- nations are accepted for the event to Stacey Buckalew | Vice President day evening, November 4, the KNSC benefit local youth ski programs. And Christine Anderson | Secretary THE BAY Richard Burton | Treasurer holds its annual meeting at 6 p.m. at Homer High School volunteers will be Stacey Buckalew | Vice President the Homer Elks Lodge. Evening activ- on hand to wax skis as a fundraiser. Jan Spurkland Message from Fritz Creek Jason Neely Skier, KNSC President ities include food (bring your own pot- Please clean up after the event and Jasmine Maurer Derek Bynagle Perhaps snow will have fallen luck dish), door prizes, entertainment take all items with you. Please: no Glenn Seaman by the time you read this. At least and lively company. Other highlights early birds or private business sales. Annie Ridgely | Administrative Assistant somewhere. On Mars, for example. include a silent auction and a live des- Meet at the Homer High School com- COMMITTEES AND EVENTS The British Journal Nature reports sert auction which sparks some fierce mons on Wednesday, November 15, at Baycrest Upper Alan Parks that Mars experiences “surprisingly bidding and tickles the taste buds of 5:30 p.m. The event is free to attend. winners. You can also renew your Baycrest Lower, Eveline State Recreation powerful snowstorms, which form at Site, Trails membership at the meeting and sign KNSC Calendar of Events – night.” Sounds like a reliable back-up Winter 2017-2018 Dave Brann vacation plan. Book your trip soon, the up for the Homer Women’s Nordic and This preliminary look at the calen- Lookout Mountain word is out. Junior Nordic programs. Mike Byerly dar of events for the KNSC highlights Here on Earth, however, I look 2017 KNSC Board of the well-known programs that hap- McNeil Canyon School forward to another great ski season Derek Stonorov Directors meeting – pen at the same time every year so supported by the incredible volun- Trail Signs November you can start filling out your calendar teers of the Kachemak Nordic Ski Jennifer Edwards Our annual meeting on November of outdoor activities. More detail on Club (KNSC). Last year brought some Snow Machine Maintenance 4 also includes the election of three these and other KNSC events will be real challenges for those volunteers Bill Hague KNSC board positions. Volunteers, published in the coming months. – and they rose to them fantastically. Junior Nordic including dedicated board members, Carlin Rauch Our aging fleet of tracked ATVs expe- ONGOING are the fuel that makes the KNSC run rienced numerous expensive break- October 16-April — Kachemak Women’s PSIA and Adult Ski Clinics, Private Lessons so smoothly today. The club is always Megan Corraza downs that far exceeded what we had Nordic: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, eager to have people with the time Friday from noon-1:30 p.m. and Saturdays budgeted for equipment maintenance. Membership, Website and enthusiasm to take leadership from 10 a.m.-noon. For details, visit Bill Hague Thanks to an inventive and dedicated roles in the organization. kachemakwomensnordic.com crew, especially Bill Hague and Bill School Races Coordinator The board meets monthly, from NOVEMBER Leonard Miller Worsfold, we now have a preventative September through May, on the first Backcountry Film Festival maintenance program in place which Annual Meeting, Dinner and Auction — 6 p.m. Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, November 4, at Homer Elks Lodge. Dan Del Missier should minimize these expenses this Board members help plan and main- Ski and Winter Gear Swap — 5:40 p.m. Winter Gear & Ski Swap season. tain all the KNSC events – and eager Wednesday, November 15, at Homer High Mike Illg (Homer Community Recreation) And super-thanks to all of you, our School Commons. Find great gear, sell your volunteers – that run our year-round gear, get your skis waxed, and register and pick Besh Cup Races members, for KNSC’s best member- Jan Spurkland program, from grooming to fundrais- up skis for Junior Nordic ship season ever! Without those mem- ing. Kachemak Bay Ski for berships, the extra expenses would DECEMBER Women & Haven House So if you want to do more for the ski not have been so easily covered. Kris Holdereid/Shelly Laukitis club than enjoy the ski trails and want Groomers Clinic and Refresher — Date and Those memberships will also help us time TBA at Lookout Mountain Maintenance Wine, Cheese & Wooden Ski Tour to be part of the board, notify any buy a new fleet of skis for the Junior Building. This is an important review/refresher Kevin Walker/Marilyn Parrett board member before the November 4 for all KNSC groomers and an opportunity for Nordic Program so we don’t have to Kachemak Bay Marathon Ski annual meeting. those interested in becoming a groomer to sign Deland Anderson turn anyone away for lack of equip- up and learn the basics. Questions: 235-6018 ment. Keep the memberships coming or [email protected]. Homer Epic 100 Ski & Winter Gear Swap – Homer Cycling Club – and thanks for our groomers! November 15 Ski Your Age — December 26 at Lookout Mountain Ski Area. See you on the trails! Barter, trade, sell or give away your See AROUND THE BAY, Page 10 The 2017-2018 winter winter-fun equipment – from skis to season is gearing up, so wax your skis! At the time this column is being written, in mid-September, the sun is out and fall colors are only starting to turn. Rumor has it that when the cow parsnip (pushki) reaches record heights, we’re going to have a lot of snow. After all, pushki wants to be higher than the snow to spread seeds. So, since some people had 10-foot-tall pushki this year, we hope to get a lot of snow this year to play and race in. In preparation, your KNSC board is flushing out the winter calendar of ski events. Below are highlights of some of our well-known annual events. Watch for details on these and more in future newsletters, the KNSC website (kachemaknordicskiclub.org), and occasional emails. KNSC Annual Meeting/ Potluck – November 4 You can tell winter is here when Homerites head indoors to party. The

the Alaska nordic skier October 2017 KACHEMAK 9 Homer ski trails also offer summer adventures BY JEANNIE WOODRING If you’re not from Homer but have enjoyed our ski trails in winter – beautiful views, lovely habitat, great grooming – come down in the sum- mer, as well, to discover the fun these trails offer. Below are summaries of the three major Homer ski trails that offer year-round adventures. Just as in winter, portions of these trails are maintained in summer by volunteers with the Kachemak Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) and other organizations to make it easy for locals and visitors alike to get out and enjoy. Roller-coaster Baycrest Hiking Trails In summer, the Baycrest trail system is a condensed version of the PHOTO BY CHRISTINA WHITING Hikers enjoy time at Eveline State Recreation Area during a guided hike with Alaska State Parks this summer. more than 30-kilometers of trails that are groomed in winter. The summer to their cars. tain Eveline SRA. An outhouse lies a of Kachemak Bay lies before you, as trails cover about 7.5 kilometers and Joggers and bikers use this trail short distance from the kiosk. well as mountain ranges, Portlock meander through varied habitat, from system for lots of up-and-down Maintained by the KNSC volun- and Dixon glaciers, and volcanoes. thick forests to wet marshes to beau- exercise. During the Kachemak Bay teers in summer, Eveline offers a On a clear day, you can almost see tiful views. The elevation gain from Shorebird Festival, birding groups variety of hikes – from the short hike forever from Eveline. the start to the top is about 400 feet, gather here to document song birds. to a viewing platform and picnic table making the Baycrest trail a great The trail is designated as a “hotspot” (handicap accessible) to the longer Undiscovered Lookout place for aerobic exercise. on eBird, which lists the birds that 1.95-kilometer perimeter trail. Short- Mountain The main entry to the summer trail have been observed here. er trails intersect with the perimeter “The Lookout Mountain trail sys- system, known as the Homestead “Baycrest has a diversity of habitat, trail and colored maps are placed tem is an underutilized gem for sum- Hiking Trail, starts at the Roger’s which attracts a good variety of forest throughout to guide you. Boardwalks mer use,” said Dave Brann, who has Loop Trailhead off the Sterling High- birds,” said George Matz, a longtime cover a few marshy areas. Some championed building and maintaining way as you drive into Homer (turn skier and bird expert. trails may not be marked, and, as Homer trails for decades. “The site left just past the landfill and transfer Native plant enthusiasts use the ski trails only, are not be maintained has ample parking, mowed trails, station). This large parcel, encom- trails to find rare plants like orchids in summer so hiking can be tricky. wonderful wildflowers, and views of passing much of the Diamond Creek and other flora and fauna. In late Please note if the map you are looking Mt. Augustine, Mt. Iliamna, and Mt. drainage, is known as the Homer summer, berry pickers find early at denotes the winter ski trails or the Redoubt.” Demonstration Forest. Park along the blueberries throughout the trail sys- summer hiking trails. In winter, Lookout Mountain is the road next to the trailhead and head tem. All summer long, the open mead- The Eveline trails have hills like premier place for races, school team down the trail. ows on the upper part of the trail are Baycrest, but start at a higher eleva- practice and scheduled skiing events. Volunteers from the Homer Soil bursting with colorful flowers. tion and are more rolling in nature so At 1,400 feet, the site often gets plenty and Water Conservation District and The Baycrest Trails can be con- offer easier exercise. Everyone from of snow so the KNSC maintains from KNSC maintain this summer trail fusing to the uninitiated. Winter ski hikers, joggers, bikers, bird watchers, 8 to more than 20 kilometers of trail and their hard work is evident. Signs trails, which are not maintained for plant enthusiasts and ordinary people on a daily basis. Trails range from are posted to take you to a rustic summer, can lead the unwary hiker use these trails. Even moose and rolling meadows to challenging up- “arboretum ” or guide you down a astray. Look for trail maps at inter- bears have been spotted; volunteers and-down routes with twisty runs. nature trail to see designated flowers sections and stay on the main trail. who maintain the trails are quick to In summer, Lookout still offers and plants. Two outhouses are a short For a link to the summer portions of post signs of any animal encounters. adventure. John Miles, one of the key way down the trail. The Homestead the Baycrest trail system, visit this Like Baycrest, Eveline is also an KNSC groomers at Lookout year- Trail continues past side trails and site for the Homer Soil & Water Con- eBird “hotspot,” featuring songbirds round, trims the grass on the wide, covers about four miles round-trip servation District: www.homerswcd. typically found in the shrubs near 5-Kracing portion of the trail system from the Roger’s Loop trailhead up org/demonstration-forest.htm. tree line. twice in summer, as well as maintains the Serpentine Trail to the Reuben’s Moose, bear and coyotes are also The best things about Eveline all aspects of the summer trail. The Bench on Midway, and return. “Hike” regular users of these trails, so are its plants and views. With a vast loops and dips of this trail are rigor- signs (sometimes) are placed along dogs should be kept on leashes or on south-facing slope, Eveline’s wild- ous training for hikers and runners. the Homestead Trail to keep you on strict voice control. And remember, flower show lasts all summer. Every “This is a labor of love,” said Miles. the maintained path, which border even well-mannered dogs need to be two weeks, a different carpet of color “It takes hundreds of hours. But it’s a and often run through private lands. cleaned up after. covers the landscape – from Forget- real privilege to do all of this.” The main trail contains plenty of Me-Nots, dandelions and lupine in Homer and area running clubs boardwalks through marshy areas. Enchanting Eveline Trails June to fields of bright fireweed in are discovering the great way to use The rest of the trail is mostly hard- Heading out Homer’s East End late summer. Lookout trails in the summer. packed and easy to hike, but may Road 14.5 miles takes you to Eveline Jane Middleton, a longtime Homer “I use Lookout as another location require rubber boots during rainy pe- State Recreation Area (SRA). Eveline resident, botanist and educator, leads to trail run,” says Annie Ridgely, a riods. Mosquito repellent is a handy sits at an elevation of 1,550 feet, which summer wildflower trips at Eveline. local runner and administrative as- addition when needed. makes the habitat sub-alpine. Watch “The real reason I do it is because sistant for the KNSC. “Lookout is at At the top of the trail sits a large for the signs and turn left on Alpine Eveline has a wide variety of native a higher elevation, has varied terrain bench that offers stunning views of Meadows Drive. A short half-mile flowers,” she said. “This is an old- (thanks to trail designer Bill Spencer), the trail system, Kachemak Bay, and drive brings you to the trailhead and growth flower meadow and is easily and pristine views. I’m always alone beyond. All summer long, picnick- parking. A sign-in kiosk invites you accessible.” when we are at Lookout, except for a ers and hikers climb to the top of the to give your name, where you’re from And then there are the 360-degree few moose. And there are bathrooms! trails for a good workout and snack and comments – and lots of signed-in views at Eveline – best seen from the What else could you want? We love it.” from the bench before heading back visitors help bring revenue to main- viewing platform and picnic table. All See HOMER, Page 10

the Alaska nordic skier 10 October 2017

1150 S. Colony Way, Suite 3 Palmer, Alaska 99645 Mat-Su Ski Club (907) 745-SKIS WASILLA, ALASKA www.matsuski.org

AROUND ment Peak (which is a full 7 kilome- summer was not a dry summer and BOARD OF DIRECTORS ters of lit trails). This spring the club the native soils at GPRA are not what PRESIDENT THE VALLEY initiated the build-out by making an geotechnical engineers would call Hans Hill agreement with the Matanuska-Susit- “good soils.” In fact as a number of VICE PRESIDENT Our amazing club, trails na Borough’s Community Develop- our trail operators discovered that Dave Musgrave ment department to be the general it was easy to find our rented track just keep on growing TREASURER When I first joined the board of di- contractor at GPRA to create an ad- equipment buried up to the doors in Maritt Youngblood ditional 5.5 kilometers of intermediate mud. It was a difficult summer for rectors for the Mat-Su Ski Club I was SECRETARY trails in the uplands. It would be our construction and to date, our volun- “odding” out the board member num- Mike Norton bers for voting purposes. That was most ambitious endeavor to-date. teer labor hours are nearly double of BOARD MEMBERS The project was budgeted north what was anticipated. nearly nine years ago. The club had Gene Backus of $200,000 with the club providing With those efforts in mind, most of focuses of grooming the local high Dave Freer school trails, Independence Mine and a large amount of the labor hours; the trails will be skiable this winter Natalie King Archangel Road. Our members were we received grants from the Mat-Su if snowfall allows. The new trails are Jeff Kase in the 50-ish range and we had hopes Health Foundation and the Mat-Su nearly there, with some small amount Lucas Parker of starting a Junior Nordics program Trails and Park Foundation, and of finish work to occur next spring. Ed Strabel again in the Valley and upgrading to contributions from numerous local This was completed in no small part Mark Strabel a tracked ATV for grooming, and our businesses and club members. The by a number of the club’s board mem- Chris Tomsen bank account was measured in the construction began with club mem- bers; most notable Mark Strabel (who Ashley Wise hundreds of dollars. bers dropping numerous trees well was the primary equipment operator ADMINISTRATOR This summer has reiterated the before actual trail construction could all summer), Ed Strabel (who pro- Tammy Sipos growth of the club. We had spent the occur. We were on our way to new vided many of the services to keep the better part of a year fundraising to trails. equipment going and facilitated a lot Annual Membership expand the trail network and Govern- As many of you can confirm, this of the logistic operations), Dave Mus- Meeting – this time grave (who provided oversight, as well with beer! as rolled up his sleeves to assist in This year’s Annual Membership the manual labor) and Lucas Parker Meeting occurs Saturday, October 21. (whose company, Kuchar Construc- Every year we try to improve on the tion, was the club’s subcontractor for event and make it more entertaining, the install of the culverts and bridging so besides having pizza this year, we at a substantially discounted rate). will also have Arkose Brewery beer Additionally, there were numerous for sale. The meeting will have the volunteers who showed up for work usual club business and update, but parties to participate in some offsea- will also include a special speaker: son dryland training, aka manual Olympian Holly Brooks. It is truly the labor. Valley preseason event you do not With that said, this winter is going want to miss. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. to be very exciting for GPRA. The new with Junior Nordics ski rental occur- trails are fun and challenging, with a ring earlier at 5 p.m. We hope to see couple of butt-whopping climbs which you all there! will reward skiers with some of the best vistas Southcentral Alaska has MSSC Calendar to offer. And the main descent will be Saturday, October 14 — Junior Nordic ski rental, a main attraction for those who enjoy 5-5:30 p.m., chalet speed. Saturday, October 14 — MSSC Annual Meeting and Club Social, 6:30 p.m. (pizza and salad), I cannot reiterate enough how chalet thankful the club is for the support Saturday, October 14 — Mat-Su Ski Club (physical and financial) from all the starts grooming Independence Mine. (snow- members and groups who helped dependent) create these trails. The new trails are October 24-30— Mat-Su Ski Club starts grooming Archangel Road (snow-dependent) truly a game-changer to Nordic skiing Monday, October 30 — High school ski season in the Valley. starts – By Hans Hill, MSSC President Saturday, November 4 — Race to the Outhouse #1, 10:30 a.m., Independence Mine or Archangel Road GPRA Intermediate Trails

KACHEMAK AROUND THE BAY at Lookout Mountain State Recreation HOMER on Skyline Drive, then turn left on Ohlson Continued from Page 8 Area. Continued from Page 9 Mountain Road. About three miles down Ski/Walk/Run for Women — Sunday, this road, you’ll see signs directing you to JANUARY February 4, at Lookout Mountain State Local high school cross-country runners Recreation Area. use Lookout for training and hosting races. the Lookout parking areas. The parking lot Besh Cups — January 20 and 21 at at the trailhead is large enough to accom- Lookout Mountain Recreation Area Backcountry Film Festival — 7 p.m. A Kenai Peninsula Borough cross-country @Homer Theatre; date and details modate day use RV parking. Friday Night Lights — Friday, January race with five teams attending used the TBA. 26, location depends on snow trails for a regional meet in mid-September The best way to use the summer trails at Wine and Cheese and Wooden Ski Junior Nordic Program — 1-2:30 p.m. Lookout are to reference the maps on the Tour — Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, February this year – for the first time. Saturdays from January 27-February 11, at location TBA. Since the trails at Lookout are primarily KNSC website (www.kachemaknordicski- 24. First session on January 27 at club.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ Lookout Mountain Recreation Area. MARCH on public land, leased from the Kenai Penin- Other locations TBA. sula Borough, it is important to stay on the Lookout.pdf). Start at the equipment shed, KNSC Nordic Ski Marathon — follow the map and look at which trails are Saturday, March 10, at Lookout trails that are maintained in summer. FEBRUARY most recently mowed in order to find your Mountain Ski Trails (starting line). To reach the Lookout Mountain trail Junior Nordic Program — 1-2:30 p.m. way around. Saturdays, February 3, 10, 17 and 24 Sea to Ski — TBA, based on snow. system, head up West Hill Road, turn right

the Alaska nordic skier October 2017 11

P.O. Box 770117, Eagle River, Alaska 99577 Eagle River Nordic Ski Club Club hotline — 689-7660 Junior nordic hotline — 689-7661 Eagle River, Alaska cernsc wildapricot. org.

BOARD MEMBERS Events bring a busy welcome to the ski season PRESIDENT Jason Dennis [email protected]

Jason Dennis / President, Chugiak Eagle River Nordic Ski Club SECRETARY Hello Chugiak Eagle River Nordic meet up, share our summer adven- afraid to try it on your own skis or just Meg Stehn meg.stehn@gmail .com Ski families. The termination dust tures, and starting getting excited don’t know where to start, show up, is on the hills signaling the end of about another season. We will host give us a hand, and you can learn at TRAILS Jim Kazuba another summer. I hope everyone was this meeting at the Beach Lake lodge the same time. If you still have rental kaszuba@mtaonline net. able to get out and enjoy their favorite on the lake on October 15. We have skis from last year (and we know who Annette Brion babrion@hotmail .com summer activates. My family was some important items to discuss ie you are) there are a number of ways pretty busy with trips to the cabin, financial standings, board elections, you can return them: drop them off at TREASURER Bob Stehn fishing, and some mountain biking. club bylaws, the general direction of my house anytime (17447 Kantishna bob.stehn@gmail .com It was an exciting summer to see our the club, and possible rebranding the Dr., Eagle River); bring them to the Steve Wilson big.su.tka@gmail .com partners CMBR (Chugiak Mountain Ski the Beach race. Meeting starts general membership board meeting; Bike Riders) start their first sum- at noon and when club business is or show up the day of the waxing. We VICE PRESIDENT/RACING mer biking program. Roughly 30 kids concluded we will have a potluck will start hounding you soon to get the Mike Beiersgrohslein mbeiergrohslein@msn .com signed up for this program and it is BBQ. Club will provide refreshments rental skis back for this year’s group off to a good start to become a great and main course; up to members to of kids. JUNIOR NORDIC Will Taygan addition to the athletic programs provide salad, dessert and sides. Sign-up online for this year’s Eagle ski@taygan .com available in Eagle River/Chugiak. Then from noon-3 p.m. October River Junior Nordic program will be Steve Wilson big .su tka@gmail. .com As we move into fall we have some 22 we will be at the chalet getting done electronically at https://cernsc. events planned to kick-off what should all the rental skis ready to go for the wildapricot.org/. Registration should NORDIC SKIER NEWSLETTER Rosalyn Singleton be another great year of skiing. year. This will have a family friendly be open by October 15. Rosalynsingleton2@gmail .com First, we start off with our general tailgate party atmosphere where all I look forward to seeing everybody membership board meeting. This are welcome. If you have ever wanted and hearing about your amazing sum- MASTERS Katie Rehm will be a fun meeting where we can to know more about waxing but were mer soon. Kathleen rehm@gmail. com. Jason Gray ERJN Jason@datasunsSign-Up Online .com @ CERNSC.wildapricot.org General Membership Meeting and Barbecue, rental, kids activities AROUND Beach Lake Lodge (at Beach Lake) 6:45 p.m. Monday, December 4 — Junior Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, October 22 — Junior Nordic start ERJN Sign-Up Online @ EAGLE RIVER Nordic Ski Waxing, Beach Lake Ski Chalet - Come help wax 100 Junior Nordic skis – hot food Learn about these events and more at cernsc. CERNSC.wildapricot.org Chugiak Eagle River Nordic and drinks wildapricot.org ERJN online registration Ski Club fall events 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, November 11 — Ski ends 11. 18.2017 Evening Saturday, October 14 — Boo at the Swap and Junior Nordic registration, Beach Lake Beach, Beach Lake Ski Chalet – need volunteers Ski Chalet to help with a booth 1-3 p.m. Saturday, November 18 — Junior ERJN online registration Nordic Kickoff, Parent meeting, registration, ski Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, October 15 — Annual ends 11. 18.2017 ERJN Sign-Up Online @ CERNSC.wildapricot.org Two chances for

ERJN rental ski’s and ERJN online registration poles…Twoends 11. chances1 811/.20117 1 at Swap for

ERJN& 11/ rental18 at Kickski’s- Offand EAGLE RIVER JUNIOR poles… 11/ 11 at Swap Two chances for & 11/18 at Kick-Off NORDIC/MASTER’S ERJN rental ski’s and EAGLE RIVER JUNIOR poles… 11/11 at Swap

EAGLE RIVER JUNIOR & 11/Sign18 at- upKick online-Off to SIGNNORDIC-UP/MASTER’S & SKI SWAP save time and NORDIC/MASTER’S Sign- moneyup online to SIGN-UPSIGN &-UP SKI & SKI SWAP SWAP Signsave-up online time to and SATURDAY 11.11.2017 save time and moneymoney Beach Lake ChaletSATURDAY 11.11.2017 SATURDAY• ERJN Sign-Up and Gear Rental:11. 8:0011-12:00.201 7 Beach Lake Chalet • Ski Swap Gear Drop Off: 8:00-9:00 Beach Lake Chalet • ERJN Sign-Up and Gear Rental: 8:00-12:00 CERNSC • Ski Swap: 9:00•- 11:00Ski Swap Gear Drop Off: 8:00-9:00 CERNSCJason Dennis • ERJN Sign-Up• andSki Swap:Gear 9:00 Rental:-11:00 8:00-12:00 Ski Gear and Money Pick-up: 11:00-12:00 Jason907.726.7092 Dennis • • Ski Gear and Money Pick-up: 11:00-12:00 • Ski WaxingSwap Gear Demo Drop by Off:Toko 8:00 -9:00 907.726.7092 • Ski Waxing Demo by Toko CERNSC • Ski Swap: 9:00-11:00 Questions?Questions? • Alaska Nordic •Master’s Alaska Nordic Sign Master’s-Up Sign-Up Jason Dennis • Ski Gear and Money Pick-up: 11:00-12:00 Eagle River Junior Nordic sign-up online at [email protected]@ft.nyl.com907.726.7092 Eagle• River Junior Nordic sign-up online at Ski Waxing [email protected] by Toko [email protected] • Questions? Alaska NordicOnline Master’s registration Sign-Up ends 11.18.2017

EOnlineagle River registration Junior Nordic sign ends-up online 11.1 at8.2017 [email protected] the Alaska nordic skier [email protected]

Online registration ends 11.18.2017

12 October 2017

P.O. Box 337 Girdwood Nordic Ski Club Girdwood, AK 99587 skigirdwood org. Girdwood, Alaska

BOARD OF DEB ESSEX BRIAN BURNETT BRIANA SULLIVAN JUSTIN THOMAS JIM BRAHAM PETER ZUG CHUCK DORIUS ARI STIASSNY DIRECTORS President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Looking forward to skiing, grooming, building and bathing BY DEB ESSEX 0 0.25 0.5 1 Kilometers Girdwood Nordic Ski Club Girdwood Multiuse Trails Planning Map Existing and Proposed Alternatives ´ If the temperature were 20 degrees in the Upper Valley cooler in Girdwood, it would be dump- Legend ing snow right now. This is the most optimism I can summon about the Proposed Multi Use Trails current forecast. I think all of us have Forest Loop shifted from “stop raining” to “start River View snowing” as we pack blueberries and AWWU Corridor Connection, 0.5 K salmon into the freezer. Right now, Existing Trails the fall colors are beautiful, and tak- CPG and Meadow Trails ing walks around the Nordic Loop has 5 K Ski Loop me excited for winter. Wilderness Routes For the past five years, the Nor- Winner Creek Trail dic loop has been the first avail- STREAMS able groomed cross-country skiing in Girdwood. Most of Girdwood’s groomed trails are in meadows, and they aren’t safe for grooming until 18 inches of snow accumulates. Don’t get me wrong … plenty of skiing takes place after the first dusting, but many residents wait for grooming. So once the snow flies, check our website and Facebook page for the latest groom- ing and trail updates. In October, the Girdwood Nordic Ski Club will host a Kickoff BBQ/Bon- this site will help communicate trail Once Moose Meadow is groomed, it I’m skiing. fire at the Nordic Loop trailhead. At conditions and membership news in a definitely sees the most recreational Until then, I’ll be walking. Walking 6 p.m. Saturday, October 14, we will faster and more accurate manner. traffic in winter. I encourage you to in the woods is a great way to relieve have a food, fun, and fire for fellow The GNSC also has new fabulous start your walk, ski, bike or snowshoe stress, find the last blueberries, trail lovers. Yes – you may bring a few moose swag: white moose pins (in adventure in the Moose Meadow. Not ponder current affairs, or even grieve. treats to throw in the fire to appease solidarity with snow), and two colors only is it a great 2.2-kilometer loop, The Japanese have a term for this Ullr, and bring a headlamp if you want of thermoses (white or blue). We went but the majority of trail users go here “forest bathing” called shinrin-yoku. to walk the trail. This month, GNSC with a thermos this year to celebrate to walk their dogs or ski a quick lap or With the help of Wikipedia, I found will also be replacing the cracked our annual Solstice Bring on the Light two. This is a great place to learn to that taking short, leisurely visits to bridges behind Our Lady of our Snows ski and bonfire. These will be on sale ski and practice technique since it’s the forest for health benefits (forest Chapel in Girdwood. This project will once our 2017-18 season kicks off in relatively flat. The meadow is also su- bathing) is a practice in Japan. Makes be completed by late October and the October, and the insulated mugs will per fun because of the social aspect. sense. I realize I’m preaching to the bridges will be dedicated in memory be at the trailhead to fill with hot I love to start here and then head choir here, so I’ll see you on the trails. of Nordic enthusiast and volunteer chocolate or beverage of choice dur- down Horror Hill, through the upper Doug Knutson. Doug was active in the ing the Solstice Celebration on Friday, meadows and into the woods if I’m Nordic clubs of Fairbanks, Anchorage December 22. walking, or over to the Nordic Loop if and Girdwood, and we are honored Our biggest news, by far, is our plan to remember him along the trail. to build another trail loop in Gird- Supportive and safe connections like wood. This loop will be located in the these bridges will provide our com- woods north of the Girdwood Air- munity with a more connected trail port. We have yet to present the final system. design for approval at the Anchorage In November, the GNSC will begin Assembly, but are working with the organizing our volunteer grooming Girdwood Trails Committee toward gang. We work in conjunction with that meeting. To help guide this deci- the Girdwood Parks and Recreation sion, we conducted a survey about and directly with Kyle Kelley to form trail use in Girdwood. To my surprise, a safe, insured and educated bunch. of the 400-plus polled, the most used If you are interested, please send trail in winter, on a daily basis, is the Kyle an email at [email protected]. Alyeska & Arlberg bike path. I see The annual FVCS Swap is everyone walking along the sidewalk, November 4 from noon to 4 p.m. at the but I didn’t really think about this Alyeska Daylodge. Bring your gently important winter trail until I read used gear or score a sweet deal! the survey results. This makes sense Other updates from the GNSC because the survey also showed that include a upgraded website (www. the most popular daily activity in the skigirdwood.org/ -- hooray!) . We are winter is walking. Second most popu- still handling the final touches, but lar is classic skiing on groomed trails.

the Alaska nordic skier October 2017 13

P.O. Box 80111, Fairbanks, AK 99708-0111 Competition Office — 907-474-4242 Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks Competition Fax — 907-474-2073 Racing Hotline — 907-457-4434 Fairbanks, Alaska nscfairbanks.org SKIING UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS Who’s Who in the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks Celebrating 50 years of Interior skiing JUNIOR NORDIC HOTLINE 457-4437

PRESIDENT Steven Hansen/ President, Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks Steven Hansen Greetings from the NSCF Board of Directors. We are nyside off the Outhouse Loop and, as the name suggests, [email protected] particularly excited to welcome winter this year, as it is enjoy the southern views during one of our short winter VICE PRESIDENT the 50th one since the formal founding of the Nordic Ski days. Bruce Jamieson Club of Fairbanks. We plan to take the year to celebrate In addition to the races we put on throughout the win- SECRETARY Helena Reuter the history of skiing in the Interior, in addition to planning ter, the lessons we offer and the tours around the Interior, [email protected] for the next 50. And, of course, take time to enjoy all the we’re also excited to host the Alaska School Activities TREASURER trails the Fairbanks has to offer. Association Nordic Ski State Championships in February Anna Sorenson The history of cross-country skiing in Fairbanks pre- and look forward to meeting visiting skiers. [email protected] dates NSCF, of course, beginning with students bringing Of course, the best way to celebrate the tradition of ski- AT-LARGE MEMBERS European techniques over to UAF. A search for warmer ing in our community is to get out on skis. Whether your [email protected] Eric Beutow grounds than the trails at the university led to the found- interest is in racing, touring ungroomed trails, learning Kate Carey ing of Birch Hill, where the club is currently based. This sharper technique, or just cheering on friends and family, Mike Donaldson Mark Winford year we are pleased to formally open a new trail, the we look forward to seeing you this year on the trails. ADULT LESSONS COORDINATOR Sunnyside Trail, connecting the main portion of the Birch Happy skiing! TBD Hill trail system to Fort Wainwright. Find the start of Sun- FAIRBANKS JUNIOR NORDICS Sally Endestad [email protected] 371-9564 NSCF-FXC FAIRBANKS CROSS COUNTRY Pete Leonard Head Coach, Program Director summer [email protected] RACE PROGRAM DIRECTOR John Estle roundup [email protected] BY ALASDAIR TUTT BIATHLON Helena Reuter The FXC programs had a very busy [email protected] summer with many athletes traveling TOURING out of town for camps. For our Comp Mike Schmoker | [email protected] Team, we had two summer training Eric Troyer | [email protected] camps: one in Bend, Ore., with Alaska NEWSLETTER EDITOR Nordic Racing in June and another Kate Carey [email protected] in July in the White Mountains. Five NSCF-FXC athletes attended the Re- gional Elite Group Camp in Palmer and three to the National U16 Camp PHOTOS BY ALASDAIR TUTT Chena River Recreation Area. This in Sun Valley, Idaho. NSCF-FXC athletes at Smith Rock State Park, Oregon. The Bend camp was a weeklong shocked people on ATVs when they adventure in the first week of June. camping, training and living together The FXC Prep and Jr. Devo Teams saw the age of the people keeping up Twelve athletes took advantage of gave our athletes a chance to have had their own adventures over the with them on the trail under their own this winter’s high snow fall in the a break from training in Fairbanks summer, including hikes on Mt. steam. Cascades at the Mt. Bachelor Ski and get back to basics. Over the three Healy, Chena Dome, Angel Rocks As winter approaches, our athletes Area. We had access to about 10km days we completed several rollerskis and Pinnell Mountain Trail along have knuckled down with school and of groomed trails. The snow was the and hikes, culminating in a foggy hike with training in town. Possibly the continued preparing for the start of polar opposite of what we experience towards Mt. Prindle, before being most memorable trip for the sum- racing season in mid-November. We in Fairbanks mid-winter but very turned around by high winds and mer for our Prep Team athletes was are very much looking forward to similar to the snow that has become low visibility allowing us to sneak up a mountain bike ride in late July. having a large contingent of athletes more and more common at Junior on a Dall Sheep before it scampered They completed a 33-kilometer loop at Senior Nationals in Anchorage and Nationals and Senior Nationals. This off (much to the dismay of our biath- from Colorado Creek to Stile Creek a possible international trip late in the led to some valuable learning experi- letes!). and traversed some big hills in the season. Stay tuned. ences in “championship snow.” With such soft conditions, the ski area Our Mt. Prindle Camp closed at 1 p.m. daily to preserve what athletes they had and we took to the trails for having just completed dryland training. Running at Tumalo a 26-mile Falls and Smith Rock (where we rollerski and combined with Steamboat Springs 3-mile run to Twelvemile Club) led to many side Summit. adventures trying to reach the base of waterfalls and river crossings to get back to the van. Late in July we had our second Comp Team training camp closer to home, based out of Mt. Prindle Campground in the White Mountains Recreation Area. These three days of

the Alaska nordic skier 14 FAIRBANKS October 2017 Q&A with Rebecca Heaton, NSCF Data Coordinator Q: How are you involved with the Arctic. It wasn’t until I started cross- NSCF? country skiing and joined the NSCF I’ve been working with Sally End- that I learned to stop fighting winter. estad for the past year as a volunteer Q: What other activities do you with Junior Nordics. I’ve learned so enjoy besides skiing? much from her and am inspired at Still swimming a few mornings a the way she brings families in to the week and recently competed in my ski club. No one gets left behind with third open water competition. I’m Sally. Recently, I joined the NSCF working on a pilot’s license and have team as the Data Coordinator – the recently taken on the restoration of person in charge of maintaining all of a historic property downtown Fair- the membership data, event registra- banks with my husband. The most tions and coordinating online needs inspiring people I know never stop PHOTO COURTESY OF REBECCA HEATON between/among the various pro- Rebecca Heaton takes a swim in Puget Sound. learning or growing. I’m just trying to grams within the Nordic Ski Club. live by that example for our four kids. Q: How long have you been a (although I’m sure it didn’t look that of sun in January, I head straight for Q: Is there anything more you cross-country skier? What do you way). the lake. I’ve skied the Savage trail want to tell us about yourself? remember about your first time on Q: What do you like about cross- near Denali several times with my Yes! I’ve loved getting to know skis? country skiing? husband and think it may be a close members of the NSCF. Everyone I’ve been classic skiing since I If I’m focused and relaxed (and second. The wide-open view is unlike should give the NSCF a try and put retired as a collegiate swimmer. I’ll the conditions are right) it is such an anything I ever saw in the Lower 48. their membership to use! Get in- never forget my first day outside on invigorating workout. For me, cross- Q: When and why did you move to volved and don’t be afraid if you know skis on the UAF trails ... it was such country skiing was such a natural Fairbanks? What do you like about nothing about skiing. There is no a novelty to be exercising outdoors transition from swimming. I’m ter- living in Fairbanks? friendlier group in Fairbanks. ... and if again. I was immediately hooked. I rible but I enjoy every minute of it. I moved to Fairbanks about 13 you know how to ski, you should sign had downhill skied for years in Sun Q: Where do you like to cross- years ago. Washington had just cut its up to coach for the Junior Nordics Valley but the feeling of classic skiing country ski and why? swim program and I was recruited to program. in Fairbanks with our amazing snow I love the UAF trails because of swim here at UAF. I grew up in Palm Look to the Alaska Nordic Skier for monthly Q&A conditions was unlike anything I had the diversity in terrain. The trees Beach, Florida, and never in a million profiles with different NSCF club members during ever experienced. It felt effortless are stunning and when I’m in need years did I think I would end up in the the 2017-2018 season. AROUND THE NSCF sponsors: A case study in synergy INTERIOR BY AELIN ALLEGOOD improving accessibility and enjoyment of the sport. NSCF Sponsorship Coordinator West Valley High School Junior Nordics is a great fit for a business looking to Ski Swap Synergy is a powerful force that occurs when the highlight dedication to healthy youth activities in Fair- banks. It’s the time of year to size up or ex- interaction of two or more organizations combine to Biathlon: The Biathlon program is going to have an change your used ski gear. The West create a result greater than the sum of their individual exciting year. Arctic Winter Games qualification races Valley High School Cross Country efforts. Synergy with community partners is at the core will be held this November, along with other races that ski swap on October 20 and 21 will of the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks. Club programs and draw youth participants from all over Interior Alaska. certainly help! The event will be held events are greatly enriched by synergy with corporate Biathlon stadium work this summer included a shift in in the WV gym. sponsors. Sponsors meet a great variety of needs, while high- bleachers to improve the spectators’ experience. Corpo- Winter Expo lighting their support of the community. Some provide rate support will allow for a much-needed update to the Come visit the NSCF table at the much-appreciated specifics, such as Lu Lu’s Bread and rifle fleet. The program would also like to purchase an Winter Expo at the Carlson Center Bagels feeding the volunteer race crew. Event sponsors additional training laser rifle. on October 28-29 to sign up for Junior help cover essential costs such as bibs, supplies and Biathlon is a great fit for a sponsor seeking to associ- Nordics, Adult Lessons or just learn trail preparation. Corporate partners allow the club to ate with skill and discipline, speed and accuracy, while more about the NSCF. enhance the skiers’ experience. For example, the club highlighting support of the community. awards a free T-shirt to youth who complete at least Trails and grooming: Thousands of Alaskans enjoy Help NSCF by going three out of the four Town Race Series events, thanks to the 40-kilometer trail system at Birch Hill each year. shopping Kinross Fort Knox and race day sponsors’ support. Each The Nordic Ski Club is responsible for all grooming and Help the Nordic Ski Club of Fair- NSCF sponsor serves an important role and creates maintenance of the trails, which involves year-round banks simply by shopping at Fred powerful synergy with direct benefit to the community. work, a fleet of machinery and trained personnel. The Meyer. Visit the Fred Meyer Com- Sponsorship opportunities and benefits abound within club is continually improving the trails to make for a munity Rewards page to link your the club. I’d like to highlight three areas with niches that more rewarding experience. Recent examples include Rewards Card and Fred Meyer will may align perfectly with a sponsor’s vision. the White Cub and Sunnyside Trails. The club relies on make a donation to participating non- Junior Nordics: Junior Nordics plays an invaluable user donations, grants and corporate support to provide profits based on accumulated spend- role in the club’s mission to grow and support lifelong ski- this world-class trail system for Interior Alaska. ing of the customers linked to each ers. Over 300 youth participated in last season’s Junior Trails and grooming sponsorship will support healthy, nonprofit. Nordics, the club’s learn-to-ski program for ages 4 to outdoor activities in Interior Alaska. NCSF revamps website 14. Corporate support will provide additional coaches Sponsors can get involved for $500, with a variety of options and benefits. A complete sponsorship package NSCF will unveil a new and im- education to makes coaching accessible to entry-level is obtained by emailing [email protected] proved website (nscfairbanks.org) in parent-helpers. Parent-helpers are crucial to success of or calling Aelin Allegood, Sponsorship Coordinator, at early October with club information the program and Sally Endestad, Junior Nordics Coor- 378-1205. and news, calendar, Junior Nordics dinator, likes to take good care of her crew. Corporate We look forward to a new season of synergy with our and Adult Lesson registration, and a funding will also provide hats, jackets and other gear corporate sponsors. link to live weather updates at Birch for those who need it. These additions go a long way in Hill via a brand new weather station. Look for the updated website to go Advertise here and your business can reach skiers across the state. [email protected] live in this month!

the Alaska nordic skier October 2017 STATEWIDE 15 Winter is coming soon: Plan your hut stay now BY MACKENZIE BARNWELL The termination dust is sprinkling the peaks, folks. Winter is coming and fall is here! Alaska Huts is excited for a change of season, and we hope you are, too. We celebrated the beginning of winter with our annual Woodstock event on September 23. We stocked Manitoba Cabin and Yurts with fire- wood and enjoyed a potluck and live music. If you didn’t make it this fall, keep an eye out on Facebook, Insta- gram and our website – we will be hosting similar events in the future! While we enjoyed a summer of sun and berry picking at Manitoba, we are anticipating the ski season and the forecast of a good snow year. Mani- toba is one of our favorite places to be once the weather turns chilly; there’s nothing like a well-stocked woodstove and the warmth of a cozy cabin after a day in the snow. We had our busiest winter yet in the 2016-2017 season and are looking forward to hosting more Huts enthu- siasts this year. To prepare, we have added firewood storage and prepped PHOTO BY MOLLIE FOSTER the grounds, cabin and yurts for the season. As always, a huge thank you one of our favorite retreats. powdery turns and an evening sauna? With our two yurts and hut-keepers to our volunteers and supporters for As we approach colder tempera- We take bookings for Manitoba 6 quarters, there’s a spot for everyone. helping Alaska Huts thrive. Thanks tures, are you dreaming of months in advance, so look us up at We look forward to seeing you all to all of you, Manitoba continues to be up at Manitoba, enjoying some fresh alaskahuts.org to reserve a spot. there!

Approaching the starting line of a season of awesome racing BY CCAK term membership when you sign up tal: October 15: Trip Leader and Head February 23-25 — Inner Mountain Youth Division (U14), Jackson, Wyoming Fall is the season to get prepared for the race. Coach for the Junior Nationals Team; March 3-10 — Junior National Championships for the upcoming ConocoPhillips Please visit my.ussa.org/member- November 1: Coaching staff positions (U16, U18, U20), Soldier Hollow, Utah Besh Cup race series! First – renew ship/start to purchase and renew for Junior Nationals, Arctic Winter March 18-24 — Arctic Winter Games (U14, your membership with your local ski memberships. Games, and Inner Mountain Division U16, U18), , Canada club! Next, check with your local ski Registration fees per race — U16 & older, Youth Championships’ the deadline club for upcoming swaps; even if it’s $35 pre-race/$45 day of race; U14, $20 for the head coach position for Arctic T-shirts! pre-race/$30 day of race; U12 & younger, $7 All entrants of any age group who to get dryland training gear, extra pre-race/$10 day of race. Winter Games has passed; the Arctic poles or add another pair of skis to Winter Games head coach will be an- enter six races receive a Besh Cup the collection. If you grew since last Message to coaches nounced by October 20, 2017. T-shirt. Those who enter all six at the beginning of the season are guaran- season, a trip to your local gear store Cross Country Alaska (CCAK) is Applications are available at crosscountryalaska. is on your list, as well. looking for qualified individuals to fill org. teed a shirt. Those who “ala carte” positions on the coaching staffs for: may not receive the preferred size. Message to skiers 2018 Junior National Championships, Important dates ahead All U08, U10 and U12 skiers receive October 1 — Besh Cup registration opens ConocoPhillips Besh Cup races March 3-10, in Soldier Hollow, Utah; a Besh Cup T-shirt. T-shirt sizes are are sanctioned by USSA; therefore November 30 — Early registration discount limited by the final race weekend so and 2018 Arctic Winter Games, March deadline (six races for the price of five for U16 all skiers need somekind of license. 18-24 in South Slave/Hay River of the and older age groups). try to get to at least two weekends of The U.S. Ski & Snowboard early bird Northwest Territories, Canada. December 13 — Registration closes for Besh races. membership registration deadline is 1 & 2 CCAK is exploring fielding a team Thank you to Sunday, October 15, at 5 p.m. MDT. for the 2018 Inner Mountain Divi- December 16 — Besh Cup 1, Kincaid Park, Anchorage ConocoPhillips Alaska! Price increases go into effect on Octo- sion Youth Championships, February December 17 — Besh Cup 2, Kincaid Park, Last but not least, Cross Coun- ber 16. USSA requires that all partici- 23-25 in Jackson, Wyoming. Fielding a Anchorage try Alaska thanks ConocoPhillips pants of Besh Cup races have one of team and coaching staff for this event January 6-11 — USSA Senior Nationals, Kincaid Alaska for once again sponsoring the following prior to signing up for a will depend on coach availability, Park, Anchorage the six Besh Cup races that serve as race: USSA Short-term Membership parent involvement and the potential January 17 — Registration closes for Besh 3 & 4 qualification events for Team Alaska! license (good for one race); USSA of fielding a team beyond the U14 January 20 — Besh Cup 3, Lookout Mountain, Whether or not you are seeking a General Membership license; and/or skiers who attend AWG. This will be Homer position on Team Alaska, Besh Races USSA Competitor license (for skiers analyzed throughout the preseason January 21 — Besh Cup 4, Lookout Mountain, provide skiers the opportunities to who wish to be scored and be consid- and the possibility of fielding a team Homer race within age groups in a fun atmo- ered for Team Alaska). will be decided by December 15, 2017. January 31 — Registration closes for Besh Cup sphere. New in 2017-18 – Short-term mem- If this is possibly of interest to you, 5 & 6 berships are only available online and please indicate this within the cover February 3 — Besh Cup 5, Birch Hill, Fairbanks Learn about upcoming races, volunteer will not be offered in person on race- February 4 — Besh Cup 5, Birch Hill, Fairbanks opportunities and more at crosscountryalaska. letter of your application. org. day. You must have proof of a short- February 22-24 — State High School Cross Deadlines for application submit- Country Ski Championships, Birch Hill, Fairbanks

the Alaska nordic skier 16 FAIRBANKS october 2017 Tips for new Fairbanks Junior Nordics parents BY SALLY ENDESTAD your kids to take you for a ski at the UAF or Birch Junior Nordics Coordinator Hill trails. Believe it or not, that little bit of interest you show goes a long way and makes for a great ■ Families with multiple kids, take a notebook to family outing. the store and jot notes on boot, ski and pole sizes ■ Remember that hour once, twice or three times needed for all children. a week is also your hour as a parent. Enjoy the ■ Visit ski swaps to look for your specific needs time. before shopping at stores for retail prices. The kids ■ Sometimes the bundling and getting out the grow so fast and you might find that they grow out door process takes longer than the actual skiing of their equipment during the season. To avoid this time. Try to be OK with this! Eventually the time problem, purchase boots with a bit more room spent skiing exceeds the preparation time. n and double the socks. It may be used in Fairbanks There will be many weeks when you never make it when our cold temps hit. out of the stadium or the terrain garden. It’ll come. ■ Make sure if your child has never skied before to Embrace it. Before you know it, you won’t able to try on all the equipment inside on your living room keep up with your kids! carpet. Allow them the space to move around and ■ Listen to your child. There’s a difference find their balance a few times. Carve out some between needing a bit of encouragement and time at the ski area for them to safely put on their gently prodding your child when they’re not skis and begin to slide around even if they’ve excited about skiing. Don’t ever force your child to never tried it before. That will help give them the participate. necessary confidence it will take to successfully navigate the first lessons. ■ Building relationships is an extremely important element in the life of the child. Know your child. ■ A sense of humor on the days when it is really If you have an introvert and your personality is cold goes a long way in creating the steadfast an extrovert, be sensitive to that. Give them the attitude that all things are possible with the right adequate space to form their own bonds. Stay attitude. Whatever the conditions, we’ll make the after the session and speak with some of the other best of it. PHOTO BY AELIN ALLEGOOD parents so that it creates a space for the child to ■ Always carry extra mittens, handy heats and Junior Nordics skiers Bridger Peterson, Caleb George, Reid Merrill and Ellie develop relationships with the other kids. a neck warmer on days when it is cold. You can Abrahamson lead a group as they skate ski around the Birch Hill stadium enjoying ■ A lot of work goes into parenting in general reuse them multiple times if you seal them in a jar the warm spring weather in March 2017. but specifically, creating the desire for healthy before they lose their heat. exercise is part of our job. Being intentional with ■ Your car should be stocked with an extra bag ■ A warm snack before Jr. Nordics lessons along stuff no matter what level they are at. the activities to promote a healthy lifestyle is one containing socks, hats, mittens etc. You will need with water in the car afterwards (they really do ■ Show up and ski – even if it is just once. Nothing way to do it. Children aim to please their parents. them at some point for your children or others who work up a sweat!!) goes a long way in making reinforces the fun more than seeing mom or dad If parents make it a habit to exercise daily, kids may be skiing with you. your experience a good one. It also is setting the out there with them. Plus, it is good for mom or learn by imitation and it becomes a part of their stage for the care of their bodies for any future ■ Label everything! Lesson days get crowded dad to get some fresh air. It might just turn into a daily lives. Whether kids decide to ski as part endeavors. with excited kids who may not be paying attention wonderfully healthy habit! of a competitive club or not, shouldn’t matter. when they pick up their belongings. Take a moment ■ Enter the town series races! They are family The ultimate goal is to have children moving and ■ Take a day and ski with you kids when they are enjoying the sport of cross-country skiing. to be sure they have theirs. oriented and give your child a chance to strut their not at Jr. Nordics. Pick a lovely Saturday and ask

SPONSORED OFF THE TRAIL Tendon pain – DO’s and DON’Ts BY ZUZANA ROGERS PT, SCD, SCS, COMT Advanced Physical Therapy Don’t rest completely. Resting Is tendon pain keeping you from things you love to do? decreases the ability of the tendon Is it keeping you from training optimally? to take load. that inject a substance into the you are using your tendon as a Do: Set reachable goals and follow Do: Reduce loads to a level that tendon. Clinical trials do not sup- spring (jumping, sprinting). a path to full healing. Talk to your the tendon can tolerate and then port these treatments. Injections physical therapist; they can cre- slowly increase it. Don’t stretch your painful tendon to the proximity of the tendon can ate a progressive exercise program aggressively; vigorous stretching Don’t use only passive treatments. be recommended if the tendon has that suits your tendon’s loading can add compressive loads that are Ice or heat can give you temporary not responded to an exercise and needs. detrimental to healing. relief but won’t improve the ability manual therapy based program. Source: Pro.f Jill Cook, PT, PhD, Professor of Do: Follow a predetermined mobil- Musculoskeletal Health, La Trobe Sport and of the tendon to take loads. Don’t ignore your pain. ity and load regimen (talk to your Exercise Research Centre, Melbourne, Australia. Do: Address possible inflamma- Do: Manage the loads on your physical therapist about it). tion and scar tissue with targeted tendon accordingly; pain is a way manual therapy followed by an of telling you that the load is too Don’t take shortcuts with your exercise program that gradually rehabilitation. The tendon needs to much. Reduce the aspects of train- Want to learn more? Come see us at Advanced increases safe loads to the tendon. ing that are overloading your ten- build its strength and load capac- Physical Therapy! Call for an appointment at any of our five locations statewide. Don’t have injections treatments don. The highest loads are when ity, which takes time.

ANCHORAGE: (907) 279-4266 | WASILLA: (907) 376-8590 | FAIRBANKS: (907) 374-0992 | SOLDOTNA: (907) 420-0640 | SEWARD: (907) 224-7848

the AlAskA nordic skier